Monday, November 09, 2009

Actors Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor bagged the Teacher Achievement Awards while noted lyricist Gulzar was bestowed the lifetime achievement honour at a function in Mumbai. Priyanka, who bagged the award in the entertainment category at an event on Saturday night, dedicated the award to her mother. "I am thankful to the jury. Whenever I get a prize, I think this would not have been possible without the constant support of my parents," she said. Shahid was conferred the Teacher's People Magazine Achiever award. "I feel special. It's really a big achievement when such an eminent set of jury has decided to give me the award," Shahid told IANS. Filmmaker-poet Gulzar was modest when given the Lifetime Achievement of the Year award. "I don't know what I have done so special. It's you, the people, (who) make me realise that I have made some contribution to the Indian film industry. I am thankful for that," he said. Leading advertising photographer Iqbal K. Mohammad got the award in the communication-photography category and Saina Nehwal, the first Indian to win World Junior Badminton Championship was given the achievement award in sports. "We are hopeful that each edition of the Teacher's Achievement Awards shall inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to strive for accomplishment, that not just add to individual glory but also propel societal growth and well-being," said Matt Shattock, president and CEO, Beam Global Spirit & Wine Inc.